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Naaman, The Leper, 

— AND— 

PRINCESS SARAH, THE 

CAPTTVE MAID. 


—by- 

MRS. M. I. CASH. 

%• 

Author of '‘'‘The War of the Hoses,” “ A Motto 
and a Wig,” etc. 


THE EDITOR PUBLISHING CO. 
CINCINNATI 
1899 


1 


TWO COPIES RECEIVED, 

Library af Cohfree* 
Office o f .the 

NOV 1 6 1899 

Register of Copyright* 


47565 

COPYRIGHTED 

EDITOR PUBLISHING CO 
1899 


SECOND COPY, 

u%it ( 

J Wv> • I u - ^ ^ . 


DEDICATION 

To my husband, whose encourage- 
ment has greatly aided me, this little 
book is affectionately inscribed. 


CONTENTS. 

Chapter. Pages 

I - - 1 

II - - - 10 

III - - 20 

IV 27 

V - ... 32 

VI .... 40 

VII - 48 

VIII - - 56 

IX - ... 66 

X .... 74 

XI - ... 81 

XII - 90 

XIII .... 96 

XIV - ... 103 

XV - ... 109 


PROLOGUE. 


It was dark and I wandered alone 
upon the shores of Time. I met a Sage 
to whom I paid : 

“Why art thou here, and what dost 
thou bear in thy hand?” 

“I am seeking bright grains of 
Wisdom to fill the Palace of Truth. 
There are millions of grains, but only 
those which shine in the darkness are 
worthy. I am very old, yet have I 
gleaned but a few to take to the Mas- 
ter.” 

Then he showed me what he had, 
and lo ! the tiny grains would not 
have filled a child’s thimble. I 
grieved, and was discouraged, and 
said : 

“I have found none; show me, I 
i 


II 


PROLOGUE 


pray thee, the place where thou hast 
found these.” 

Then he pointed to a rocky path over 
which his bleeding feet had just come. 
I thanked him and followed it. One 
tiny grain I found, which I bring to 
Thee now, my Master, praying that 
Thou wilt find it worthy some humble 
place in Thy Palace of Truth. 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 

AND 

PRINCESS SARAH, THE CAPTIVE MAID. 


“ ’Tis but a worm, Susanah!” 

“Aye, brother, ’tis but a worm, and 
yet it hath destroyed my favorite rose- 
tree ; and it is typical, too, of the 
gnawdng fear which is eating my life 
away.” 

The last speaker, a beautiful young 
woman, was holding in her hand the 
worm-eaten bud of a Syrian moss- 
rose. Her delicate face was already 
chiseled with lines of melancholy, and 
the wells of her large, dark eyes were 
brimming with the overflow of tragic 
depths beneath. 


1 


2 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


“Susanah, what sayeth the leech 
now, of my brother, Naaman ?”asked 
the young man reclining on the rug 
by Susanah’s side. 

“Alas, Beka! he hath decided that 
he can do no more. His last hope 
was in the sacred water with which 
the dead body of our holy priest, Ka- 
desh, was washed before burial. This 
hath been faithfully administered in 
very strong doses, but -without effect. 
Naaman, my beloved husband, is 
doomed to a leper’s death;” and Su- 
sanah buried her face in one of the 
silken pillows of her couch and wept 
aloud. 

It was in the midst of a scene of 
princely splendor, in that most beau- 
tiful and ancient city of the 
world, Damascus, that the foregoing 
conversation occurred. From the 
many cushioned rug on which Su- 
sanah reclined could be seen the large 
court of the palace, with its magnifi- 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


3 


cent mosaic marble floor. Along 
the sides of this court were rows of 
Parian columns, dividing it into al- 
coves, loftily arched, and furnished 
with gorgeous rugs and luxurious pil- 
lows. The sides and ceilings of these 
alcoves were painted in arabesques, 
paneled and carved in elaborate 
gilded and colored effects. In the 
center of the court played a fountain, 
about the marble margin of which were 
placed large pots of brilliantly bloom- 
ing flowers. Lemon, orange and ci- 
tron trees lavished their perfume on 
the luminous air ; soft-eyed gazelles 
lent graceful animation to the scene ; 
while among the fragrant trees was 
heard the bul-bul’s heavenly note. 
From one side of the court ascended a 
lofty staircase leading to a gallery 
which overlooked the court, and over 
its richly carved balustrade a trailing 
passion vine wound its wealth of pur- 
ple bloom. At frequent intervals 


4 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


along the sides of the court, bronze 
lamps were suspended, each forming 
the head of a dragon, whose body ter- 
minated in two branches opening out 
into the shape of bowls ; in these 
bowls were placed the perfumed oil, 
and, the time being about the third 
hour of the night, the multitude of 
lights shed a soft radiance over the 
enchanting scene. 

Susanah wore a loose robe of finest 
blue silk, embroidered in gold thread ; 
this was drawn in just below the bust 
with a broad girdle of gold, richly en- 
crusted with jacinths and chrysolites, 
the transparent blue and yellow stones 
harmonizing with the blue, gold-em- 
broidered robe. An izzar, or veil, of 
white silk, similarly embroidered, 
was held in place by a band of gold, 
studded with the same beautiful gems, 
and the edges of her eye-lids were 
stained. She wore bracelets and ank- 
lets of gold, and from the latter de- 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


5 


pended innumerable tiny bells which 
tinkled with every movement of her 
feet; while her fingers, stained at the 
tips, were covered to the middle joint 
with costly rings, set with all manner 
of precious stones. 

Susanah’s companion, Beka, the 
young half-brother of Naaman, was 
also handsomely attired in a loose 
robe, with a richly embroidered girdle 
over an inner vest, which was buttoned 
to the throat with brilliant carbuncles ; 
and the band which held his kaffeh, 
or cap, in place, was fastened with the 
same green stones. Beside him lay 
his aba, which he had thrown aside 
upon entering; this latter garment 
being an outer wrap of finest camel’s 
hair. Beka spoke : 

“Weep not so bitterly, Susanah, 
there is one thing more which can be 
tried to restore my brother. Naaman 
hath carried always the amulet on 
which was written the talismanic 


6 


JSTAAMAN THE LEPER 


blessing of our sacred high-priest, 
Kadesh ; over every wall of Naaman’s 
dwelling is hung the egg-shell, the 
lump of alum, and the donkey’s skull, 
to keep off the evil eye. His head 
was burned on top with a hot iron 
while he was yet an infant, "which 
cautery should have prevented this 
loathsome disease. Now thou sayest 
that the water in which the dead 
body of our most holy high-priest, 
Kadesh, was washed before burial 
hath proved ineffectual ; there is, 
therefore, but one thing left to do. 
Thou knowest what I mean, Susanah 
— our gods must be propitiated. Naa- 
man hath no first-born son to offer as 
a burnt sacrifice; but hath he not 
been to me more than a father? The 
sacrifice of my life must be the means 
by which Naaman is to be restored to 
life, to happiness and thee.” 

Susanah sprang up into an attitude 
of startled attention at Beka’s first 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


7 


reference to the awful sacrifice of 
human life, which had not occurred 
to her because she had no son. Would 
El and Rimmon and all the gods of 
Syria combine to help her in this 
time of sore distress if this sacrifice 
should be made to them? Beka had 
spoken truly; the gods might well ac- 
cept him in the place of a first-born 
son, for Naaman had reared and cared 
for him from his earliest infancy. 
She loved Beka and her woman’s 
heart revolted at the thought of the 
awful sacrifice ; but custom makes us 
all familiar with the most evil prac- 
tices, and the dieties of Syria had de- 
manded many a fair youth to satiate 
their fiery appetites; therefore, when 
Beka ceased speaking, Susanah an- 
swered him with mingled joy and 
grief: 

“Wouldst thou do this for Naaman, 
dear Beka? It is like thy noble heart 
to think of it. Ah, Beka ! if the 


8 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


gods of Syria will accept thee, and 
restore my husband, Naaman, to 
health, think what happiness shall be 
thine — and mine. Thou shalt dwell 
forever with the most favored of the 
gods in that blissful abode w^here thy 
place shall ever be higher than ours, 
because thy sacrifice will be voluntary. 
But, dear Beka, how bitter — ah, how 
bitter ’twill be to give thy dear body 
to the flames !” 

“Think not of that, dear Susanah ! 
Grieve not for me. The pain will be 
but brief, and then — then — Susanah, 
thinkest thou our gods will give tome 
in the next world the heart of one 
I love vainly in this?” 

“What, Beka! Thou lovest, and 
vainly? But who? I had not thought 
even the daughter of Ben-hadad could 
resist thee.” 

“ ’Tis not the haughty princess of 
Syria that Hove, beautiful though she 
may be in the eyes of men. It is 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


9 


another princess whose regal beauty 
and royal grace hath won my heart. 
But she worships not the gods of 
Syria, and would never link her fate 
with mine.” 

“Nonsense, Beka! But who is it? 
and where didst thou meet her?” 
asked Susanah, leaning forward eag- 
erly to look more closely into the 
young man’s face. 

“Behold, Susanah, she is even 
now approaching to serve thee. The 
one I love is the princess Sarah, thy 
captive and slave.” • 


CHAPTER II. 


Three years before this story be- 
gins a battle had been fought at 
Ramoth-Gilead, between Ben-hadad, 
King of Syria, and the combined 
forces of Israel and Judah under their 
kings, Ahab and Jehoshaphat. The 
King of Judah had gone down to Sa- 
maria with his son, Jehorem, who was 
to marry Athaliah , daughter of Ahab 
and Jezebel. The -wicked and ambi- 
tious Ahab determined to seize this 
opportunity to war against the 
Syrians. Ben-hadad had failed to 
keep his promise to surrender the city 
of Ramoth-Gilead, and Ahab believed 
it could be taken by joining Jehosha- 
phat’s forces to his own. Ahab asked 
Jehoshaphat the question : 

‘ ‘Wilt thou go with me to Ramoth- 
Gilead to battle?” 


10 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 11 

Jehoshaphat generously placed him- 
self and all his possessions at the dis- 
posal of Ahab in the following words : 

“I am as thou art, my people as 
thy people, and my horses as thy 
horses. ” 

But Jehoshaphat was not quite satis- 
fied to go to battle without consulting 
the prophet of the Lord. He said to 
the King of Israel : 

“Enquire, I pray thee, at the word 
of the Lord to-day.” 

Now Ahab called four hundred of 
his prophets, who were false prophets, 
being given to the calf-worship of 
Jeroboam, and Ahab said to them : 

“Shall I go against Ramoth-Gilead 
to battle, or shall I forbear?” 

The false prophets saw at once that 
Ahab desired this thing. If they 
prophesied evil to the enterprise he 
would be angry, and would banish 
them ; if they prophesied success they 
would be richly rewarded. If Ahab 


12 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


was killed they would still have a 
powerful friend in Jezebel, and be al- 
lowed to retain their present posses- 
sions. Therefore these politicians an- 
swered : 

“Go up to Ramoth-Gilead and 
prosper ; for the Lord shall deliver it 
into the hand of the King.” 

Then Zedekiah, the chief of these 
prophets, made him horns of iron ; 
and he said : “Thus saith the Lord, 
with these thou shalt push the Syr- 
ians until thou hast consumed them.” 

Jehoshaphat did not like the faces 
of these lying prophets, therefore he 
said unto Ahab : 

“Is there not here a prophet of the 
Lord besides, that we might enquire 
of him?” 

And the king of Israel said unto 
Jehoshaphat : 

“There is yet one man,Micaiah, the 
son of Imlah, by whom we may en- 
quire of the Lord : but I hate him : for 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


IB 


he doth not prophesy good concern- 
me, but evil.” 

Jehoshaphat answered, deprecat- 
ingly : 

“Let not the King say that he doth 
hate this prophet of the Lord.” 

And Ahab, seeing that Jehoshaphat 1 s 
heart was set on the thing, sent for 
Micaiah. Now Micaiah was in prison 
for some offensive prophecy against 
the King, and the messenger who was 
sent for him, wishing to do him a 
good turn, said: 

“Behold, now, the words of the 
prophets declare good unto the King 
with one mouth; let thy word, I pray 
thee, be like the word of one of them, 
and speak that which is good.” 

But Micaiah answered : 

“As the Lord liveth, what the Lord 
saith unto me, that will I speak.” 

Micaiah accompanied the officer to 
the gate of the city where the two 
kings sat in royal state on their 


14 


1ST A AM AN THE LEPEK 


thrones, surrounded by the officers of 
the city, and the four hundred 
prophets. 

Jehoshaphat was deeply impressed 
by this imperial looking prophet with 
his tall erect figure and noble counte- 
nance. Micaiahworea sleeveless gar- 
ment of goat skin, which extended to 
the knees, and was girdled at the 
waist by a leathern cord. In this 
coarse attire he looked far more of a 
king than the ill-favored Ahab, whose 
prominent eyes, narrow forehead, and 
cruel-looking, square chin, com- 
bined with an inferior stature, made 
an ensemble which all his royal robes 
could not alter. Ahab looked dark- 
ly at Micaiah, and said: 

“Micaiah, shall we go against Ra- 
moth-Gilead to battle, or shall we for- 
bear?” 

Micaiah looked at the King scorn- 
fully. He knew that Ahab wished to 
humiliate him publicly. He was 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


15 


jealous, moreover, for Jehovah, and 
his heart burned with hot indigna- 
tion against the wicked king. He 
answered with irony, in the same 
words the false prophets had used. 

“Go and prosper, for the Lord shall 
deliver it into the hand of the King.” 

Ahab assuming an air of righteous 
indignation, said: 

“How many times shall I adjure 
thee that thou tell me nothing but 
that which is true in the name of the 
Lord?” 

Then Micaiah threw back his head, 
and looking at the king with his 
blazing black eyes, he burst forth with 
the remarkable prophecy : 

“I saw all Israel scattered upon the 
hills as sheep that have not a shep- 
herd, and the Lord said : These have 
no master ; let them return every man 
to his house in peace.” 

Ahab interrupted him angrily, and 
turning to Jehoshaphat, said: 


16 


N A AM AN THE LEPEK 


“Did I not tell thee that he would 
prophesy me no good concerning me, 
but evil?” 

But Micaiah heeded not the rude 
interruption. His calm, clear voice 
went on : 

“Hear thou therefore the word of 
the Lord : I saw the Lord sitting on 
his throne, and all the host of heaven 
standing by him on his right hand 
and on his left. 

“And the Lord said: Who shall 
persuade Ahab, that he may go up 
and fall at Ramoth-G-ilead? And one 
said on this manner, and another 
said on that manner. 

“And there came forth a spirit, and 
stood before the Lord, and said: I 
will persuade him. 

“And the Lord said unto him: 
Wherewith? and he said: I will go- 
forth, and I will be a lying spirit in 
the mouth of all his prophets. And 
he said: Thou shalt persuade him,. 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


17 


and prevail also; go forth and do 
so. 

“Now, therefore, behold, the Lord 
hath put a lying spirit in the mouth 
of all these thy prophets, and the 
Lord hath spoken evil concerning 
thee.” 

Micaiah ceased speaking. During 
his prophecy his eyes were raised up- 
ward, as though he beheld with phys- 
ical vision the picture he had just 
portrayed. 

Zedekiah, seeing the white anger 
in Ahab’s face, and hoping to impress 
the King with a great show of loyalty 
and zeal, went near to Micaiah and 
smote him on the cheek, saying: 

“Which way w T ent the spirit of the 
Lord from me to speak unto thee?” 

No resentment showed in the calm 
face of the prophet as he answered : 

“Behold, thou shalt see in that day, 
when thou shalt go into an inner 
chamber to hide thyself.” 


18 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


The King of Israel was beside him- 
self with anger, for Micaiah’s proph- 
ecy rang true. Micaiah was a faithful 
prophet of Jehovah, and Ahab in- 
wardly shuddered with the terrible 
conviction that the prophecy would 
be fulfilled. Calling an officer, he 
said grimly : 

“Put this fellow in the prison, and 
feed him with the bread of affliction 
and with water of affliction, until I 
come with peace.” 

Ahab conveyed by these words a 
strict command that if he was killed 
in battle, Micaiah’s sentence was to 
be for life ; but if Ahab hoped that 
the dauntless prophet would retract 
one word of what he said, he was 
speedily convinced of his mistake. 

“If thou return at all in peace, the 
Lord hath not spoken by me.” 

Then, as if to impress more deeply 
the minds of the people he turned to 
them and said : 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


19 


“Hearken, O people, every one of 
you.” 

Micaiah was hurried to prison, and, 
for the time being, Ahab’s cruel com- 
mand was executed. 


CHAPTER III. 


To heed Micaiah’s prophecy would 
he to acknowledge his belief in it; 
moreover, it did not seem possible 
that Ramoth-Gilead could hold out 
against the combined armies of Israel 
and Judah ; therefore, Ahab urged 
Jehoshaphat to go with him and com- 
pel Ben-hadad to surrender the city. 
Jehoshaphat had gone to Samaria in 
the hope that a matrimonial alliance 
between the prince of Judah and the 
princess of Israel would prove an in- 
dissoluble tie between the two famil- 
ies; Jehoshaphat, deing a true servant 
of God, had grieved over the many 
years of strife between them. Thus, 
when urged by Ahab, he yielded, in 
the warmth of the new pact of friend- 
ship, and the two armies went against 
Ramoth-Gilead to battle. 


20 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


21 


The wily Ahab decided to disguise 
himself. He rightly conjectured that 
Ben-hadad would order his soldiers 
to concentrate their movements 
against himself, as the death of their 
King would mean rout to Israel’s 
army. In consequence of this the 
Syrians believed Jehoshaphat, who 
wore his royal robes according to cus- 
tom, to be King Ahab. Jehoshaphat, 
seeing so large a force directed solely 
against himself, cried out: 

“Make haste, O Lord, to help me.” 

Then the soldiers of Ben-hadad 
perceived that it was not King Ahab 
and ceased from pursuing Jehosha- 
phat. 

Now Naaman, one of the foremost 
Syrian soldiers who had pressed up 
to Jehoshaphat’s chariot, guessed 
with quick perception, that Ahab 
must be disguised; therefore he bent 
all his energies to discover Israel’s 
King. One chariot held a man low 


22 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


of stature, whose charioteer was a 
powerful Nubian slave. Naaman had 
heard a description of Ahab and 
knew that he was an undersized 
man. Watching this man closely 
Naaman observed that he fought 
fiercely ; therefore, drawing his bow 
at a venture, he smote the Israelite 
between his corselet and skirt of mail. 
Ahab spoke at once to his charioteer: 

“Carry me now out of the host, for 
I am wounded.” 

The Nubian slave attempted to do 
so, but could make little headway 
through the struggling chariots and 
horses. Another slave held up the 
King of Israel in his chariot and the 
battle went on. All that awful day 
the King lived, while the wound in 
his abdomen filled the floor of the 
chariot with his kingly blood. The 
ferocious Syrians trampled the 
dead and dying Hebrews under the 
hoofs of their horses, and crushed 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


23 


them under their chariot wheels. The 
foot soldiers cut off the heads of the 
dead, while many bodies were flayed, 
for human skins were articles of Sy- 
rian merchandise. The defeated Is- 
raelites scattered and fled to their 
tents; they were as “sheep that have 
not a shepherd.” But not until the 
wings of mercifully approaching 
night wrapped the groaning earth in 
her dark embrace did Ahab’s spirit 
yield. The battle was over; Mi- 
caiah’s prophecy was fulfilled, and 
Israel had no master. 

When Naaman shot the fatal arrow 
w T hich ended the iniquitous life of 
Ahab, the Syrian King witnessed the 
deed, and after the battle was over he 
sent for Naaman to come to his tent. 
When Naaman entered Ben-hadad 
greeted him : 

“Knowest thou, Naaman, that thy 
valor hath this day delivered Syria?” 

Naaman’s face flushed with grati- 


24 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


fied pride. Until now he could not 
be sure whether his venturesome ar- 
row had reached Ahab or another. It 
was no light thing to have his brave 
deed acknowledged and approved by 
the King. Moreover, it meant cer- 
tain promotion. He bowed low as he 
answered, modestly: 

“My lord King, I did but slay thy 
most powerful enemy. ’Twas but a 
soldier's duty.” 

“Aye,” returned the King, “ ’twas 
but a soldier’s duty; but knowest 
thou that Ahab’s arrow was aimed at 
thy King’s heart at the very moment 
when thy weapon reached its mark? 
Thus do I say that this day thou hast 
delivered Syria. From this day thou 
art Captain of the Host of the King 
of Syria.” 

Naaman was almost overwhelmed 
at this sudden and dazzling promo- 
tion. It meant the highest office in 
the King’s bestowal. It meant wealth 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


25 


and honor. Before Naaman could 
adjust his mind’s eye to this brilliant 
vision the King spoke again: 

“I see that thou art grateful, Naa- 
man, although thy tongue is muffled 
now ; but thou hast never been a man 
of much speaking, and we are satis- 
fied to let thy brave deeds speak for 
themselves. Listen, now, while I give 
thee commands regarding the prison- 
ers. Aleppo hath told me that there 
are but few of these, of both men and 
women; as to the men, thou knowest 
our custom. Have the iron rings put 
into their under lips, and fasten to 
these rings strong cords by which to 
lead them. Have the women treated 
with due courtesy and consideration ; 
especially the little princess Sarah, 
daughter of Jehoshaphat, who shallbe 
thy own special property. She will 
make an excellent handmaid for thy 
wife Susanah.” 

Then Naaman was dismissed and 


26 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


found himself outside the King’s tent r 
and under the burning stars. The- 
full orbed moon shed its mild beams 
over the field of carnage, throwing a 
weird light over the tents, the broken 
chariots, the slain horses and men, all 
mingled in a confused mass, and 
strewn over the ground. Naaman’s- 
feet slipped through sanguine pools, 
but there were no groans to fright 
his listening ears, for the fierce Syri- 
an soldiers never leave other than 
dead bodies on a conquered field. 

Naaman’s heart swelled within him. 
All that mortal man could desire was 
within his grasp ; but all unknown to 
him then the most fatal and loath- 
some disease known to man had be- 
gun its insidious creep through his 
flesh and blood, and when he should 
reach the apex of his power the full 
knowledge was to come, which was to 
cast its blight over every hope, and 
fill his once dauntless soul with de- 
spair. 


CHAPTER IV. 


After Beka had made the surpris- 
ing announcement to Susanah of his 
love for her Hebrew slave, Naaman’s 
wife had no time in which to question 
him, for Sarah was approaching with 
the light refreshments of which Sus- 
anah always partook at this hour. As 
Sarah drew near she lowered the tray 
which she carried on her head, and 
placing it beside Susanah retired a lit- 
tle distance, and stood waiting for her 
mistress’ further orders. 

Sarah had so endeared herself to 
her mistress that Susanah had made 
her the overseer of the other female 
slaves and her own favorite attendant. 
Through a feeling of delicate consid- 
eration for her royal captive, Susanah 
had also forborne to have Sarah’s 
ears bored through with an awl, and 
27 


28 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


she thus escaped the usual badge of 
servitude. 

As Sarah stood with her hands 
loosely clasped before her in an atti- 
tude of proud humility, she was in- 
deed an imperial looking maiden, not- 
withstanding her simple attire. A 
flowing sleeveless garment of fine 
white linen was buttoned on either 
shoulder, and loosely girdled below 
her bust with a purple Tyrian cord, 
which terminated in heavy tassels. 
About her shapely, dark head was 
twined a scarf of Damascus silk, 
striped with many colors, beneath 
which the glossy black braids of her 
hair hung far below her waist. 

She was tall and finely formed. Cour- 
age and strength of purpose were indi- 
cated in her firmly moulded chin, and 
the resolute poise of her fine head. 
Her large black eyes w T ere deep and 
mystical, like shadowy pools of shin- 
ing water, and the rich color of her 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


29 


lips and cheeks glowed with the fires 
of healthy youth. But her greatest 
fascination for Susanah lay in the 
serene self-poise w T hich bespoke a 
heart at rest, and which had often 
been the subject o'f wondering medita- 
tion to the mercurial Syrian woman. 
She looked at Sarah now with a new 
interest, since Beka had avowed his 
love for her, and vaguely marveled 
that his words should not seem un- 
seemly. 

Beka and Susanah now partook 
of the refreshments and sherbet which 
Sarah had brought. When they had 
finished Susanah gave a signal and 
Sarah carried out the empty tray, re- 
turning almost immediately with the 
dancing girls who furnished the us- 
ual evening’s amusement. When they 
had retired the story-tellers were 
brought and Susanah called one of 
them to her side. 

“Relate to us now one of thy sim- 


30 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


pie tales, Fatoom,and then thou shalt 
all retire. I am weary and fain would 
seek repose.” 

Fatoom clasped her hands at the 
back of her neck, and leaning negli- 
gently against a marble pillar thus 
began : 

A STORY OFT BE FLY AND THE WALL. 

“A Fly once sat upon the Wall, 

And said, ‘You’i'e very high and tall.’ 

The Wall replied, ‘Though this be true, 

The little Mouse has dug me through,’ 

Said Fly to Mouse, ‘You make me stare. 

What a digger you are, digger you are!’ 

The Home replied: ‘Though thus you greet me, 
You ought to know the Cat will eat me.’ 

Said Fly to Cat, ‘I must declai*e, 

What an eater you are, eater you are!’ 

The Cat replied, ‘Do not delay me, 

The Walking Stick will surely slay me.’ 

Said Fly to Stick, ‘I must beware; 

What a slayer you are, slayer you ai*e !’ 

The Stick replied, ‘I fear for my life, 

Lest I fall in the hauds of the Cutting Knife.’ 
Said Fly to Knife, ‘You ai‘e sharp and fair; 

What a cutter you are, cutter you are!’ 

The Knife implied, ‘I’m crushed like pith, 

If I fall in the forge of the Smiting Smith.’ 
Said Fly to Smith, ‘You ai’e strong as a bear; 
What a smiter you are, smiter you are!’ 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


31 


The Smith replied, ‘I was made by Allah.’ 

The Fly he turned and cried ‘Muhullahl’ 

For a busy Spider had watched his prey, 

And followed him steadily all the day, 

And seeing him meddling with his neighbors, 
Dispatched him, and ended all his labors. 

* * * 

One cannot attend to himself and all; 

If he meddle with others he’ll certainly fall. 


When the story was finished Su- 
sanah clapped her hands in token of 
dismissal, and soon she andBeka were 
once more alone. 

“Come to me early in the morning, 
Beka, I would talk further with thee,” 
said Susanah ; and having bid the 
young man an affectionate good-night 
she called for Sarah. 


CHAPTER V. 


“Thou art always gentle in thy 
movements, Sarah,” said Susanah, a& 
her handmaid brushed the long, dark 
locks of her mistress; — “thou art ever 
gentle, and yet, methinks thou art 
strong, too, for thy whole form and 
bearing betoken it. Aye, and thy 
heart must be strong, for thy de- 
meaner is ever brave and calm.” 

“The Lord is my strength and song 
and He is become my salvation ; He is 
my God, and my father’s God, and I 
will exalt Him.” 

Sarah spoke the w^ords solemnly, 
yet there was an exultant ring in her 
voice. Susanah could not see %her 
face as Sarah was still engaged with 
her hair, but her own countenance 
expressed deep wonder. 

“Thy God, Sarah! and dost thou 


32 


NAAHAN THE LEPER 


33 


then worship but one God? Who is 
He? Tell me what He is like.” 

Sarah, in her turn, marveled greatly 
at her mistress’ mood. While the 
wife of Naaman had always been 
kind she had never before entered in- 
to serious conversation with her He- 
brew slave. Sarah’s heart thrilled; 
she loved her mistress, what joy if 
she could bring Susanah to a know- 
ledge of the true faith. Her deep 
and vibrant voice trembled as she an- 
swered : 

“He is called Jehovah, and Lord of 
Lords. He is the One Creator of the 
universe and all that it contains ; He 
is the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and 
of Jacob.” 

“Who are Abraham, and Isaac, and 
Jacob?” asked Susanah. “There is a 
noble mausoleum among the tombs, 
erected by Eliezer of Damascus, to 
his own and his master’s memory; 
this tomb is decorated in beautiful 


84 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


colors, and there is a picture of 
Eliezer’s master painted on it, with 
this inscription: 

“ ‘ELIEZER OF DAMASCUS, 

THE STEWARD OF ABRAM, 

PRINCE 

BELOVED OF THE GODS.’ 

“Can this Abram be the same?” 
asked Susanah. 

“Aye, ’tis the tomb of Abraham, 
once Prince of Syria, from whom I am 
descended ; and the God of Abraham, 
and of his son Isaac, and of his son’s 
son, Jacob, is my God, and Jehovah is 
his name.” 

“Thou art indeed of royal blood, 
my Sarah; but how knowest thou 
that Jehovah is God over all?” 

“I know because God talked with 
Abraham, and with Moses, and with 
the prophets. When my people were 
in captivity in Egypt God brought 
them up out of bondage into a land 
flowing with milk and honey. He 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


35 


led them by a pillar of fire by night 
and a pillar of cloud by day. He 
rained manna from heaven every 
morning for forty years to feed them 
while they wandered in the wilder- 
ness. His prophets have kept oil in 
the widow’s cruse so that it failed 
not; stayed the sun in its course ;aye, 
and raised the dead. I could tell thee 
of a thousand marvels and miracles, 
but I also know because I have his 
witness here in my heart.” 

Sarah dropped the brush and, in 
her eagerness, went in front of Su- 
sanah. “It is here that I know,” she 
said, clasping her hands over her 
heart and looking earnestly at Su- 
sanah. 

“But Sarah,” said Susanah, “thy 
God hath sent thee into a strange 
land to be a captive and slave. Why 
is this?” 

“Some of my fathers have dis- 
obeyed Jehovah, and our God doth 


36 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


justly punish evil even unto the third 
and fourth generation. This curse was 
thundered from Mt.Ebal : ‘Thou shalt 
beget sons and daughters, but thou 
shalt not enjoy them ; for they shall 
go into captivity.’ Moreover,” she 
continued, “the Lord may have sent 
me to be a witness to thee that thou 
mayest know the true God.” 

There was a long silence. Susanah 
was absorbed in thought ; Sarah 
watched her with trembling eagerness. 
At last Susanah said, slowly: 

“Saidstthou not thy prophets had 
raised the dead?” 

“Aye,” answered Sarah. “The 
prophet Elijah did raise the son of a 
widow after he was dead. Elijah 
abode in her house and he kept her 
cruse of oil, and her barrel of meal 
full, when there was a sore famine in 
the land; then the widow’s child died, 
and Elijah stretched himself on the 
child three times, and called on the 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


37 


Lord to let his soul come into him 
again, and it was so ; and the child 
lived again. I have seen the prophet 
Elijah, and his eyes were like flames 
of holy fire.” 

“Verily, it is a marvelous tale, Sarah. 
Then if the prophet of Jehovah can 
raise the dead, might he not also heal 
disease?” 

“Is it -not easier to heal disease 
than to raise the dead?” asked 
Sarah. 

Susanah did not answer, but 
questioned Sarah again. 

“Sarah, knowest thou that thy 
Lord Naaman is a leper?” 

“Aye, the steward, Cheta, hath 
spoken to me of it.” 

“Dost thou think — oh, Sarah! 
thinkest thou I might dare to hope 
that the prophet Elijah might heal 
him?” 

“Elijah is dead. He ascended in- 
to heaven in a chariot of fire, but his 


88 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


mantle hath fallen upon the prophet 
Elisha, who is at Samaria. I had the 
news from the Arab chief, Barde- 
sanes, when he passed through 
Damascus three moons ago. He told 
me that Elisha fed an hundred men 
with twenty loaves of barley, and a 
few full ears of corn ; he also said 
that Elisha had raised from the dead 
the son of a Shunamite woman. 
Elisha is a true prophet of Jehovah, 
and can heal disease.” 

“Sarah, thy words ring true; it 
may be that Elisha can restore my 
husband, Naaman. If he healeth 
him, Sarah, then shalt thou be free, 
and thy God shall be my God ; and if 
thy Lord Naaman will go to Samaria, 
and shall be healed there, then shall 
Beka be spared from passing through 
the fire. But why do thy hands 
tremble, Sarah? thou art not wont to 
be awkward at my toilet.” 

Sarah bravely steadied her voice, 
and answered truthfully : 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


89 


“Because of what thou saidst con- 
cerning my Lord Beka;” and even as 
she spoke Susanah saw the conscious 
blood flame over Sarah’s smooth 
brow. She laid her hand gently on 
the girl’s shoulder. 

“Perhaps I can guess what troubles 
thee, Sarah, but fear not. Now go — 
but first tell me, dost thou pray to 
thy God?” 

“At morning, noon and night,” 
answered Sarah. 

“Then seek Jehovah’s altar now, 
and pray for Naaman — and for 
Beka.” 

“There is here no altar to my 
God,” said Sarah; “but I will seek 
him with all my heart;” and after 
this promise Sarah was dismissed. 


CHAPTER VI. 


As Sarah passed through the court 
on her way to her own apartment, a 
tall, heavy-set man seized her by the 
arm, saying* 

“Not so fast, my pretty one, I 
would speak with thee.” 

“Release me, Cheta ! There! never 
lay thy hand upon me in like man- 
ner again. Now, what wouldst 
thou?” 

“Thou knowest well what I desire, 
Sarah. My lord Naaman hath said 
thou shalt be given me to wife. Why 
dost thou scorn me?” 

“I do not scorn thee, Cheta, but I 
do not love thee, and if thou lovedst 
me thou wouldst not strive to force 
my will.” 

“Love! what is love?” asked 
Cheta, scornfully. “I can soon tell 


40 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 41 

thee what love is. It is but a bubble 
which breaketh while yet it is warm 
with the childish breath that formed 
it. It is but a flower of the field, that 
bloometh to-day and to-morrow it 
dieth ; both love and the flower find 
the same decay.” 

“Say not so, Cheta. Love doth 
not perish like the dust with which 
its mortal object is clothed? It is a 
seed which, although it sometimes 
lieth long like hidden germ of wheat 
beneath the mold, still holdeth the 
elements of deathless life. Jehovah 
planted the first seed of love, and he 
plucked it from His own holy heart; 
for God is Love.” 

Cheta looked at Sarah with some- 
thing of wonder in his eyes ; then he 
said, slowly: 

“I know not if I love thee, but I 
desire thee for my wife.” 

“But why, Cheta? If thou dost 
not love me why dost thou wish to 
wed me?” 


42 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


“Because thou art beautiful — more 
beautiful than my lady Susanah, who 
is called the Lily of Damascus. Thou 
dost please me better. I look at the 
tender red of thy lips and cheeks ; at 
the silky gloss of thy midnight hair; 
at the soft brilliancy of thine eyes;, 
and at thy round, milk-white throat, 
and I long to possess thee. Aye, and 
I shall, for thou canst not escape me. 
I have the promise of Naaman, my 
lord;” and Cheta extended his arms 
as if to seize Sarah again, but she 
skilfully eluded him, and running 
through an alcove escaped into her 
own room at the rear of the palace. 

Meanwhile, Susanah had sought 
Naaman and, although it was near 
the midnight hour, she found him 
still up and restlessly pacing the 
floor of his apartment. As she 
stepped within the door he raised his 
hand commandingly and said : 

“Come no nearer to me, Susanah. 
What wouldst thou?” 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


43 


“I have wondrous news for thee, 
Naaman. Sarah, my maid, hath told 
me of a prophet of her God who can 
heal thee !” 

“Nay, Susanah, come not to me 
now with messages of hope. Thou 
knowest all the gods of Syria could 
not help me, then how could another? 
There was but one thing more that I 
could have done had a son been born 
unto me, but — ” 

“Oh, Naaman! I had not told 
thee all. But first I must tell thee 
how Beka hath desired to pass through 
the fire for thee, that the gods of 
Syria might be propitiated. That 
was before Sarah told me how the 
prophet Elisha might heal thee, and 
he is even now at Samaria. Sarah 
saith that the prophets of her God 
have raised the dead.” 

“Stay, Susanah; thy speech is in- 
coherent. Sayest thou that Beka 
hath offered to pass through the fire 


44 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


for me? But why? He is not my 
son?” 

“He said that thou hadst been a 
father to him, and perhaps El and 
Rimmon, and all the gods of Syria 
might accept him in the place of a 
son for that reason. But, Naaman, 
my husband, heed it not. At least 
first try the Prophet of Jehovah, who 
is at Samaria.” 

Naaman paused in his impatient 
walking to and fro. He was a stal- 
wart man of heroic mold, w r ith large 
limbs and massive muscles. In fea- 
ture he bore, like all Syrians, a strong 
similitude to the Hebrew type. His 
forehead was low and straight, with 
a somewhat prominent brow and 
large, brilliant eyes; his nose was 
aquiline; his mouth firm with rather 
thick lips; his chin strong and sym- 
metrical ; his hands were crossed be- 
hind him — those hands which bore 
the only unconcealed evidence of the 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


45 


loathsome disease which had claimed 
him as its victim. For several months 
he had not allowed his wife to come 
near his presence, and had of late 
been excused from personal attendance 
on his King. In Israel he would 
have been isolated and pronounced 
unclean ; in Syria he still mingled 
with his fellows, although they all dis- 
creetly kept aloof from him. The dis- 
ease had made little progress as yet, but 
Naaman knew that ultimately he must 
withdraw himself from all communi- 
cation with his fellow men. He knew 
that before many months should pass 
he would be removed from his office 
as Captain of the Host of the King of 
Syria. His love for his wife had im- 
pelled him to keep her apart. All the 
leeches of Damascus, the priests and 
the prophets of all the numerous gods 
of Syria had been engaged in his be- 
half to work his healing; but nothing 
had availed, and Naaman had begun 


46 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


to have dark thoughts of self-destruc- 
tion when Susanah came to him. As 
he paused now he looked at her long 
and earnestly, with a faint gleam of 
hope in his passionate eyes. Susanah 
returned his look with a world of 
yearning in her tender, delicate face. 

“The prophet of Jehovah,” said 
Naaman, musingly, “I remember 
now that the Arab chief, Bardesanes, 
told me somewhat of him. Elisha! 
aye, ’tis the same name. Susanah, I 
will go to Samaria with rich gifts for 
this prophet. For thy sake I will try 
once more.” 

“May the blessing of all our gods 
attend thee, oh, my husband!” ex- 
claimed Susanah, starting toward 
him with gladly extended arms ; but 
Naaman cried out to her harshly : 

“Back, Susanah! art thou mad?” 

Then, seeing the grieved look in the 
sensitive face and quivering, childish 
mouth, he added gently: 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


47 


“My poor Susanah ! thou art sweet 
and true and sound to the core. Aye, 
and did I not love thee better than 
my life I could never bid thee stand 
aloof while my heart breaketh to take 
thee once more into these empty 


arms. 


CHAPTER VII. 


When Beka sought Susanah the 
next morning he found her surrounded 
by her servants, busily engaged in 
preparing for Naaman’s comfort dur- 
ing his projected trip to Samaria. At 
sight of this busy scene and Sus- 
anah’s evident cheerfulness, he ex- 
claimed in wonder : 

“What now, my sister? What 
meaneth all this confusion? It look- 
eth as though one were about to 
make a journey !” 

“Thou art a good guesser, my 
Beka,” cried Susanah, gaily. “Thy 
brother is indeed to go on a journey 
this day.” 

“But wherefore, Susanah, and why 
art thou glad?” asked Beka in bewil- 
derment. 

“Ah, Beka! I rejoice because my 

48 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


49 


heart telleth me that this journey will 
result well for Naaman, for thee, and 
for me. See now, thou hast heard 
nothing about it! Come sit by me 
here, for I will rest a short season, 
and tell thee that which will fill thy 
kind heart with gladness.” 

Beka seated himself on the rug be- 
side Susanah, who told him all that 
had occurred on the previous evening 
after he had left her. 

“Sarah hath been always truthful 
and I believe her, my Beka. Oh I 
am so happy this morn, for the gods 
seem about to favor us at la^t!” 

“Not ‘our gods’ Susanah; ’tis the 
God of Sarah whom Naaman is about 
to seek. If He be the God over all, 
as Sarah hath said, then shall I too 
serve him. The God of Sarah shall 
be my God.” 

“Aye, and mine, dear Beka. But 
in my selfish joy I am forgetting thy 
trouble. Tell me more about your 


50 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


love for Sarah. Hast ever spoken to 
her about it?” 

“Nay, Susanah, I have never 
spoken word to Sarah ; but I have 
watched her, and each passing day 
she hath been to me more sweet and 
fair.” 

“Wouldst thou like to have speech 
with her, Beka? Thou shalt see her 
here if thou wish.” 

“Nay, Susanah. Naaman hath 
promised her to Cheta, and thou 
knowest that Naaman never breaketh 
his word. I had speech with him and 
he sayeth that Sarah shall wed Cheta, 
although Sarah doth not wish it, and 
she calleth Cheta a heathen.” 

“I promised Sarah yesternight her 
freedom if Naaman returneth healed. 
Leave the matter with me ; I will per- 
suade him,” said Susanah, with a 
confident happy smile. Naaman sel- 
dom denied her anything, and his 
gratitude to Sarah for the suggestion 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


51 


she had made — if it resulted in his 
cure — would make him more compli- 
ant. 

“Naaman may listen to thee, and 
may even consent to my union with 
Sarah if thou persuadest him , but she 
may never care to listen to my plead- 
ing, and my heart is even now bound 
up in her. Let nothing be said, I pray 
thee, Susanah, until Naaman hath re- 
turned. If no good shall come of his 
trip there can be no hope for me, even 
if Sarah would listen.” 

“Methinks thou shouldst take heart 
of grace and speak for thyself unless 
thou art willing to yield the prize to 
an inferior ; but I will speak to thee 
of this matter again. Go now and 
bid farewell to Naaman, thy brother, 
and bid him good-speed.” 

An hour later the caravan of Naa- 
man moved out of the court-yard. 
Naaman’s imposing figure in his 
chariot led the way; and at his side 


52 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


Susanah was carried in her litter, for 
she desired to accompany him a little 
distance on the way. In another 
chariot rode Arpad, the favorite and 
most devoted servant of Naaman. 
Behind Naaman were his personal at- 
tendants on horseback. Then came 
the donkeys bearing the slaves who 
carried the treasure Naaman designed 
as a present to the prophet. This 
consisted of gold and silver bars, cut 
into convenient sizes, and bound up 
in sacks. There were ten talents of 
silver, or about the worth of $16,425 
of our money; and 6,000 pieces of 
gold, being more than $48,000 of our 
money. Besides this gold and silver 
there were ten changes of raiment, 
made from the finest fabrics of Da- 
mascus, a present highly valued in 
the Orient to this day. These rich 
gifts, representing a fortune of about 
$75,000, were quite appropriate for a 
man of Naaman’s wealth and posi- 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


53 


tion, and not too lavish considering 
he hoped to be healed of a deadly 
malady. In the rear of the caravan 
was a long string of camels bearing 
still other slaves, who carried the 
tents and all the various parapherna- 
lia attendant on a journey in those 
days. 

Out of the court-yard, through the 
palace gates, and into the street 
called Straight moved the procession. 
The beautiful city was astir with all 
the restless energy of early morning 
life. Between the columns which 
lined the street on either side the var- 
ious bazaars of merchandise were 
open, and their owners were loudly 
crying their wares. Soon they passed 
into a more quiet quarter of the city, 
where shaded groves and scented 
gardens, with fruitful orchards, where 
trees, weighted with fragrant bloom, 
lent their subtle charm to the beauty 
of the morning. 


54 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


Out through the gate called Bab- 
Allah, where the busy scene became 
a confusing and noisy one, they 
passed. There were Arabs from the 
desert with their camels ; corn mer- 
chants, Druses, and Bedawins, and 
shepherds with their flocks. Women 
passed with water jars upon their 
heads, and playing, shouting children 
gave an air of the liveliest commotion 
to the scene. 

When the caravan had passed a 
mile beyond the city gates Naaman 
called a halt to bid his wife farewell. 
Susanah bade her slaves carry her 
litter to the side of Naaman’ s chariot, 
and as she leaned out her head from 
between the folds of the curtains 
Naaman bent his head and said : 

“Farewell, Susanah, beloved one. 
My heart shall remain with thee un- 
til I return in peace.” 

“Farewell, and may the God of the 
prophet Elisha hear thy prayers. Re- 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


55 


turn to me with such haste as thou 
canst.” Then wife-like, she thought 
of one last question to ask him. 

‘‘Didst thou obtain the letter from 
the King of which thou didst speak?” 

“Aye, Susanah, here it lieth in my 
bosom, ’ ’ and drawing from the folds of 
his aba a letter, he held it toward her. 
It was written on fine parchment, 
tightly rolled, bound with a scarlet 
thread of silk, and sealed in several 
places with the royal seal. Susanah 
nodded and smiled. 

“’Twill help thy purpose greatly, 
without doubt, ’’said she. “Once more 
farewell until we meet again.” 


CHAPTER VIII. 


There was an undoubted sensation 
in the city of Samaria when the news 
was noised about that Naaman, Cap- 
tain of the Host of Syria, had arrived, 
with a long retinue of servants and 
slaves, chariots, camels and horses. 
Israel was, at that time, in a state of 
dependence on Syria, never having re- 
covered the ground lost at Ramoth- 
Gilead. There was much conjecture, 
therefore, as to whether Naaman’s 
errand was a peaceable one or not. 
Joram, the King of Israel, as soon as 
he heard of Naaman’s approach, sent 
out his attendants to meet him and to 
escort him with due honor into the 
royal presence. When the greetings 
between the two men were passed 
Naaman produced the letter which 
Ben-hadadhad written, and delivered 


56 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


57 


it to the King of Israel. As Joram 
read, his face changed ; absolute con- 
sternation was depicted in his counte- 
nance. He read a portion of the letter 
aloud, in a trembling voice : 

“Now when this letter is come unto 
thee, behold, I have therewith sent 
Naatnan, my servant, to thee, that 
thou mayest recover him of his lep- 
rosy.” 

Then Joram rent his garments, and 
looking at Naaman with liveliest ter- 
ror he exclaimed : 

“Am I God, to kill and to make alive, 
that this man doth send unto me to 
recover a man of his leprosy? Where- 
fore, consider, I pray you, and see 
how he seeketh a quarrel against me.” 

Joram’s question proved how lep- 
rosy was regarded in Israel. Leprosy, 
being equivalent to death, recovering 
from it was literally making alive. 
Therefore, Joram said: “Am I God, to 
kill and to make alive?” 


58 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


Naaman was filled with astonish- 
ment. He hastened, however, to re- 
assure the alarmed King of Israel. 

“Fear not, my lord King, for my 
lord and King, Ben-hadad, seeketh 
no quarrel against thee.” 

At this moment Gehazi, a servant 
of the prophet Elisha, entered, breath- 
less with haste, and evidently eager to 
deliver a message. The King of Is- 
rael signed to him to speak. With alow 
obeisance to the King, Gehazi said : 

“Wherefore hast thou rent thy 
clothes? Elisha, the prophet, hath 
said: ‘Let Naaman come now to me, 
and he shall know that there is a 
prophet in Israel.’ ” 

Naaman’s heart leaped at these 
words. The prophet Elisha must be 
very sure of his power to send such a 
message to the King. Joram looked 
greatly relieved, and turning to 
Naaman, dismissed him thus : 

“Go thou with this man to the 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


59 


prophet Elisha ; and if he heal thee 
of thy leprosy do thou bear my royal 
greetings to Ben-hadad thy lord, and 
King of Syria.” 

Naaman withdrew with Gehazi, but 
could scarcely repress a smile at the 
attempt of the craven King of Israel 
to recover a show of dignified seren- 
ity. 

Naaman had biddem Gehazi climb 
into the chariot with him, and fully 
expected to be conducted to a palace 
equal to his own at Damascus. He 
was, consequently, greatly surprised 
when Gehazi bid the charioteer stop 
before an humble looking house in the 
outskirts of the city. Gehazi dropped 
from the chariot, saying : 

“I will call Elisha that he may 
come unto thee.” 

Naaman waited, confident that 
Elisha according to the unwritten 
code of Oriental etiquette would 
come out to meet him ; and he 


60 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


pleased himself with the picture of 
Elisha’s gratitude and surprise over 
the noble gifts he had brought, 
which would enrich this poor prophet 
of Jehovah. Presently the door of 
the mean little house opened and 
Gehazi appeared ; he approached the 
chariot, and said : 

“Thus saith Elisha the prophet. 
‘Go and wash in Jordan seven times, 
and thy flesh shall come again to 
thee, and thou shalt be clean.’ ” 

Gehazi spoke the words as calmly 
as though the healing of a fatal 
disease was hut an every day occur- 
rence, and Elisha had cared not a jot 
for the rank of his distinguished 
visitor. Naaman’s proud spirit was 
humiliated. Had he come on a long 
journey, and brought rich gifts, to he 
treated with so scant courtesy as 
this? He bade his charioteer drive 
on, and, turning to his favorite, 
Arpad, he said : 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


61 


“Behold, I thought: ‘He will 
surely come out to me, and stand, 
and call on the name of the Lord his 
God, and strike his hand over the 
place, and recover the leper. Are not 
Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damas- 
cus, better than all the waters of 
Israel? May I not wash in them and 
be clean?’ ” 

Naaman’s surprise and indignation 
were natural. Damascus boasted 
then, as she does to-day, of the finest 
water supply of any city in the East. 
The clear and sparkling waters of 
Abana and Pharpar were surely more 
desirable streams in which to bathe 
than the turgid river Jordan. But 
Arpad saw, what his master in his 
anger overlooked, that it was 
Elisha’s evident intention to try 
Naaman’s faith. Therefore he an- 
swered Naaman in a pleading voice : 

“My father, if the prophet had 
bid thee do some great thing, wouldst 


62 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


thou not have done it? how much 
rather then, when he saith to thee : 
‘Wash and be clean.’ ” 

Naaman made no answer then, and 
the caravan moved on toward home. 
He was thinking of the difference be- 
tween his reception and the picture 
his mind’s eye had called up. What 
could mean Elisha’s strange in- 
difference to the wealth that had 
been offered to him , for he had bid 
Gehazi tell Elisha that all the hand- 
some presents he carried were in- 
tended for the prophet of Jehovah. 
Naaman marveled, and thoughtfully 
wondered at Elisha’s action. Then 
before him came the vision of 
Susanah’s face when he should tell 
her that he was not healed, and that 
he had refused to obey the prophet’s 
commands; sweet Susanah, who was 
like a spring morning when he had 
wedded her five years before. How 
could he bear to meet the look of an- 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


63 


guished disappointment in her lovely 
eyes. Her soul was white as a lily, 
but she was impulsive, and void of 
self-control as a child. He pictured 
her weeping and rending her gar- 
ments, and his dark cheek was pale 
when he ordered the caravan to 
turn about. He said to Arpad : 

“I will return and go to this river 
Jordan. Perchance the prophet is 
right.” 

Thus the caravan was turned about 
to retrace their steps to the river 
Jordan. Not a murmur was heard at 
the change of orders, for Naaman 
was beloved of all his household, 
albeit his commands were quickly 
heeded for he was a firm man. Thus, 
although they had journeyed three 
days toward home, they willingly re- 
turned to obey the prophet’s com- 
mand. 

The river Jordan, where the cara- 
van halted, was indeed a forbidding 


64 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


stream. Its dark and muddy waters 
would scarce invite a fastidious man 
to plunge beneath its bosom. Naaman 
resolutely removed his outer gar- 
ments, however, and entered the 
stream; he plunged beneath, and 
rose again, but there was no change; 
again, and still there was no change; 
but when Naaman arose from the 
water for the seventh time a remark- 
able change had taken place. He 
felt the new and healthy blood rush 
with regenerating power through 
every vein. With awe he looked first 
at his hands, to find them soft and 
firm, with new flesh. Nowhere about 
his person was there now the slightest 
evidence of the old, dread disease. If 
Naaman had failed to plunge beneath 
the water the seventh time there 
would have been no healing process 
within him. Elisha evidently had in 
mind the old law of purification 
where the leper was sprinkled seven 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


65 


twines, and tarried out of his tent un- 
til the seventh day. Throughout the 
entire ceremony sevenfoldedness was 
the rule, and seven is the number of 
perfection. Naaman’s resolution car- 
ried him through to the seventh time, 
and the captain of the Host of the 
King of Syria was healed. 


CHAPTER IX. 


\ 

The evil heart of Cheta was breed- 
ing mischief. He had observed the 
increasing fondness of Susanah for 
her Hebrew slave, and the growing 
indulgence of her manner to Sarah. 
He noticed that on several occasions 
when Sarah was attending her mis- 
tress, Beka was present, and the con- 
versation between the three seemed 
general, and on a basis of equality 
and friendship. With eyes sharpened 
by the demon of jealousy he noticed 
that Beka’s eyes followed Sarah’s 
every movement, and he easily guessed 
Beka’s secret. On these occasions 
Cheta ground his teeth with impotent 
rage, for so far Sarah had managed 
to avoid him since the night when he 
had declared his intention of marry- 
ing her. With subtle cunning he de- 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


67 


cided to relax his vigilant watch lest 
suspicion should be aroused, and lay 
his own private plans. Sarah should 
never wed Beka ; this beautiful prize 
should be his own. He would no 
longer await his master’s return. Naa- 
man had been absent now two weeks, 
and if he had prospered he should re- 
turn very soon. Cheta would wait 
no longer lest Susanah and Beka 
should be plotting against him. Dur- 
ing his service with his master he had 
saved a small sum. He decided to 
abduct Sarah and join some shepherds, 
who were to leave Damascus that 
night, and who were going to cross 
the mountains and settle with their 
flocks for a season in the valley of 
Lebanon. Among these shepherds he 
had some ill-favored friends; a few 
shekels would secure their aid. Cheta 
hastened away to perfect his plans. 

The conversations which had at- 
tracted the attention of Cheta had 


68 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


been on the subject of Naaman’s jour- 
ney, and the scarcely less engross- 
ing One of Sarah’s faith. Sarah’s 
modest and dignified demeanor re- 
mained unchanged through the rather 
severe test of Susanah’s evident 
friendliness, and the love which Beka 
no longer took pains to conceal. Beka 
was allowing himself to hope that his 
cause would prosper, but he loyally 
determined not to speak to Sarah un- 
til Naaman had returned, when Beka 
hoped to gain his consent to his mar- 
riage to Sarah through Susanah. The 
other slaves were frequently dismissed 
by Susanah, who retained Sarah to 
talk with her, and invited Beka to re- 
main ; an invitation which Beka al- 
ways gratefully accepted. 

On this particular evening Susanah 
was unusually silent; she left most of 
the conversation to Beka and Sarah, 
albeit her manner to the latter was 
none the less kind. Beka, absorbed 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


69 


in his passion, and having no thought 
beyond the fact that he was with Sa- 
rah, and happy, had failed to notice 
the low spirits of Susanah. Sarah, 
however, had taken note of the fact, 
and she cast many anxious glances at 
her beloved mistress. At last she 
asked timidly : 

“Art thou ill, my lady Susanah?” 

Susanah started nervously — she 
often did that now — and Sarah ob- 
served with sorrow that Susanah’s 
cheek w T as pale, and her beautiful 
eyes sad and heavy. Susanah ans- 
wered, gently : 

“Nay, Sarah, I am not ill; but my 
soul fainteth for news of Naaman,my 
husband.” 

“Be of good cheer, Susanah,” said 
Beka, affectionately laying his hand 
upon her arm. “Naaman should be 
with us by the morrow.” 

“I know not why,” answered Sus- 
anah, “but my heart faileth me with 


70 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


fear. I am ever too fearful or too hope- 
ful ; but to-day the very air seemeth 
heavy with some brooding disaster.” 

“Nay, Susanah, lose not thy heart! 
But the on-coming night is indeed 
heavy, and the air seemeth deathly 
still, weighing upon the heart like the 
shadow of evil. Dost thou notice it, 
Sarah?” 

“Aye, my lord Beka, the breath of 
life seemeth to drag but slowly, and 
all the world seemeth wrapped in the 
atmosphere of tombs; yet ’tis hot and 
weighty, like the breath of an evil 
spirit.” 

“Dost thou believe in evil spirits, 
Sarah?” asked Beka in some surprise. 

“There is ever a spirit of evil abroad 
warring against the good; but the 
good shall conquer when the Holy One 
shall come.” 

“Dost thou mean another prophet, 
Sarah?” asked Beka. 

“Aye; the prophet Balaam hath 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


71 


said, ‘There shall come a Star out of 
Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of 
Israel.’ Our God hath told us, too, 
through his servant Moses, ‘The Lord 
thy God will raise up unto thee a 
Prophet from the midst of thee, of 
thy brethren like unto me ; unto him 
ye shall hearken.’ ” 

“A ‘Star,’ and a ‘Scepter,’ and 
‘like unto me,’ ” repeated Beka, won- 
deringly. ‘‘Sarah, that soundeth as 
though he were to be thy King, and 
equal to thy God.” 

“Aye, my lord. When Jacob 
blessed his sons he said unto Judah : 
‘The scepter shall not depart from 
Judah, nor a lawgiver from between 
his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto 
him shall the gathering of the people 
be.’ ” 

“From which one of Jacob’s sons 
art thou descended, Sarah?” inquired 
Susanah, rousing herself with some 
show of interest in the conversation. 


72 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


“I am descended from Judah, my 
lady Susanah.” 

“Then perhaps thou mayest be- 
come the mother of the Shiloh for 
whom thy people look, ” said Susanah, 
an accent of reverence in her voice. 

“ ’Tis the hope of every Hebrew 
maid,” answered Sarah modestly. 

After this a long silence fell upon 
the little group ; then the still air was 
startled by distant and low rumblings, 
accompanied by a slight trembling of 
the earth. Susanah’s white cheek grew 
whiter, and she sprang nervously to 
her feet. The rumbling noise con- 
tinued and the earth trembled again ; 
this time more perceptibly than before. 

“What meaneth it, Beka?” whis- 
pered Susanah, hoarsely ; clinging the 
while to his arm. 

“I know not, Susanah. I never 
felt aught like it before.” 

The earth now began to rock 
beneath their feet in an alarming 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


73 


manner, and Susanah screamed 
aloud : 

“The earth turneth over, and the 
great sea will overwhelm us and drown 
us. Sarah! Sarah! where art thou?” 

But Sarah was nowhere to he seen ; 
and the quaking earth rocked more 
violently than before. 


CHAPTER X. 


At first sight of Susanah’s alarm 
Sarah had hastened from the apart- 
ment to seek in her mistress’ private 
room for some restorative. She had 
found a bottle containing wine and 
was returning with swift footsteps 
when she felt herself rudely seized 
from behind, while a rough hand 
closed with cruel force over her mouth.. 
Another person standing behind Cheta 
— for Sarah rightly guessed that her 
disguised captor was he — bound a silk 
handkerchief over her eyes; then She 
was lifted in strong arms and hastily 
borne away. 

Soon she felt the night wind blow- 
ing on her face, and she marveled 
that her captor staggered and stum- 
bled like a drunken man. In her con- 
fusion she had forgotten the cause of 

74 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


75 


Susanah’s fright, and attributed the 
constant stumbling to Cheta’s un- 
steady walk. Loud, rumbling noises 
affrighted her, and once Cheta fell, 
but quickly regained his feet. Sud- 
denly she felt herself hurled violently 
out of Cheta’s grasp, and then she 
sank deep into some soft substance 
which well-nigh smothered her. She 
tore the bandage from her eyes and 
looked around her with bewilderment. 
She realized at once that she was bur- 
ied deep in fodder, and.also that she was 
entirely unhurt. From where she lay 
she could see but little but the dark 
sky, with here and there a faintly 
glimmering star. Her ear caught the 
sound of neighing horses, lowing kine, 
and bleating sheep ; with these sounds 
were mingled the voices of men call- 
ing to each other in frightened tones. 
This recalled the image of Susanah, 
who had cried out when the earth be- 
gan to tremble; then Sarah knew that 


76 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


there had been an earthquake. God 
had providentially delivered her out 
of Cheta’s hand. 

After some deliberation Sarah de- 
termined to remain where she was, 
not knowing what dangers might 
await her in the darkness and con- 
fusion. Being young and healthy she 
soon fell into a gentle slumber, not- 
withstanding her anxiety, and did not 
awake until the rosy feet of morn had 
blazed their crimson track atlrwart 
the eastern sky. 

Sarah sat up and strove to collect 
herself. She was bewildered at first, 
but memory soon returned and she 
prepared to leave the shelter which 
had so lately proved her salvation. 
Creeping to the edge of the stack of 
fodder she shuddered to see a chasm 
some thirty feet in depth below the 
foot of the stack. Had she attempted 
to slide down it the night before, the 
impetus of the motion would have 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


77 


carried her down with sufficient force 
to endanger her life. Sarah des- 
cended to the ground on the other 
side of the stack, and began to pick 
her way among the debris composed 
of scattered bits of timber and rocks, 
with here and there a dead cow or 
sheep. Her surroundings were un- 
familiar and she knew not which way 
to turn until she espied at a little dis- 
tance a slave running; him she called 
in a loud voice; he turned at the 
sound of her voice and quickly came 
to her assistance. 

She explained to him all that had 
happened and asked him to direct her 
to Naaman’s palace. He promised to 
do so and Sarah assured him that her 
mistress would reward him. As they 
passed along Sarah noticed that many 
of the humble dwellings had been de- 
stroyed, although the seismatic con- 
vulsion had done but little damage to 
most of the more substantial build- 


78 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


ings, which, in Syria, are constructed 
with the view of withstanding these 
upheavals, to which it is subject. 

Sarah was still in an unfamiliar 
quarter of the city when she saw ap- 
proaching her a female slave whom 
she recognized as Fatoom, Susanah’s 
chief story teller. Sarah hailed her 
gladly, and Fatoom drew near ; she 
eyed Sarah, however, with somewhat 
of cold disfavor. Sarah hastened to 
tell her all that had occurred, and 
then anxiously inquired after her 
mistress. 

“She lieth ill of a fever,” answered 
Fatoom, brusquely. 

At this news Sarah hastened her 
footsteps, although she already was 
walking rapidly. In her haste she 
stumbled and her foot ca.ught in a 
shrub, turning her ankle. With an 
expression of pain she stopped, then 
strove to move on again; but it was 
useless, her ankle w r as sprained, and 
she could no longer walk. 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


79 


After a short consultation Fatoom 
agreed to return to the palace and 
send help to Sarah, and a reward to 
the man slave who had assisted her. 
Meanwhile, the man lifted Sarah in 
his arms and bore her into a house 
near by where the occupants kindly 
agreed to shelter her until help 
should arrive. 

Sarah lay for quite two hours on a 
rug, well supplied with pillows, and 
her ankle had been bathed with lini- 
ment and bound by a slave of the 
household. Fatoom returned at last 
with a litter and a suitable reward for 
the man. 

The two men who now lifted Sarah 
and bore her to the litter were stran- 
gers to her, and she marveled a little, 
knowing all of Naaman’s household. 
But she asked no questions, being 
happy in the thought that she would 
soon be back at the palace. The cur- 
tains were drawn, the litter lifted to 


80 


NAAMAN THE LEPElt 


the shoulders of the two men, and Sa- 
rah was borne away. Presently an 
overpowering drowsiness seized her 
and Sarah fell into a deep sleep. 


CHAPTER XI. 


Naaman’s gratitude for his recov- 
ery was boundless. He resolved to 
return to Elisha and insist upon the 
prophet’s acceptance of the gifts he 
had brought. He also desired to 
make an acknowledgment to Elisha 
•which would atone for his unreason- 
able temper the day the prophet bid 
him go and wash in Jordan. This 
time he would take no denial, but 
would urge his way into the prophet’s 
presence and beg him humbly to take 
the wealth w T hich Naaman could so 
easily spare. That his return to Sa- 
maria would prolong his absence from 
home and Susanah, counted little 
with Naaman in his generous grati- 
tude. Susanah’s joy at his complete 
recovery would compensate her for 


82 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


some delay. Therefore, Naaman has- 
tened back to Samaria. 

Elisha tried to refuse Naaman ad- 
mittance as before, but Naaman 
pleaded so humbly to be allowed only 
to speak to the prophet that he at last 
was admitted. When he stood before 
the man of God he said, in a voice 
trembling with strong emotion : 

“Behold, now, I know that there is 
no God in all the earth, but in Israel; 
now, therefore, I pray thee, take a 
blessing of thy servant.” 

This was indeed an humble and 
courageous speech for the proud Sy- 
rian to make. Elisha admired the 
manly resolution and sincerity of 
purpose which impelled it. But the 
prophet wished to impress upon this 
whilom heathen that to God alone 
he owed his debt of gratitude ; that 
the gift of God could not be bought 
with earthly treasure, and that God’s 
prophets were not actuated by selfish 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


83 


motives. He answered Naaman 
firmly : 

“As the Lord liveth, before whom 
I stand, I will receive none.” 

Naaman saw that further argu- 
ment would be useless. He was con- 
verted to the God of Israel, however , 
and he desired Elisha to have know- 
ledge of this truth. He therefore 
asked quite humbly : 

“Shall there not then, I pray thee, 
be given to thy servant two mules’ 
burden of earth ? For thy servant will 
henceforth offer neither burnt offer- 
ing nor sacrifice unto other gods, but 
unto the Lord.” 

Elisha’s eyes softened. He realized 
thatNaaman’s conversion was genuine 
and complete. Naaman’s desire for 
the earth was founded upon something 
deeper than the popular prejudice 
that every land has its deity, who 
must be worshiped at an altar made 
from the land where that deity reigns. 


84 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


This was proved by his words, “I 
know that there is no God in all the 
earth, but in Israel.” Deep in his 
loyal heart Naaman wished a small 
portion of the land of Israel, which 
would be ground consecrated to the 
true God, and a monument to Him in 
a heathen land. Naaman was an 
officer high in rank, w T ith great in- 
fluence. His conversion from Poly- 
theism to Monotheism meant the cer- 
tain proclamation of Israel’s faith in 
Syria. Surely the Lord God of Israel 
would bless Naaman and prosper him. 
Elisha saw all this with prophetic 
vision; he therefore said: 

“Thy desire shall be granted, and 
may the God of Israel teach thee and 
bless thee, henceforth.” 

Naaman turned to go, but his sen- 
sitive conscience apprised him at once 
of a difficulty. It was his duty to ac- 
company Ben-hadad into the temple 
of Rimmon,when the King went there 


N AAMAN THE LEPER 


85 


to worship. Would this act be deemed 
disloyalty to the God of Israel whom 
he now determined to worship? Bet- 
ter renunciation of his office than 
this if it were to be counted hypoc- 
risy. He consequently said to Elisha: 

“When my master, the King, goeth 
into the house of Rimmon, to worship 
there, he leaneth on my hand ; and 
when he boweth, I bow myself ; will 
the Lord pardon thy servant in this 
thing?” 

Elisha deliberated. Naaman’s bow- 
ing down would not indicate an actual 
deed of worship on his part; it would 
merely mean assisting his king in 
that ceremony. To discontinue the 
exercise of this office would mean for 
Naaman to resign his position and his 
nationality, and become an Israelite. 
Elisha recognized the fact that this 
would be to frustrate God’s design in 
Naaman’s conversion, for if he re- 
mained in Syria he would be a witness 


86 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


to the true God, and disseminate 
the report of his miraculous recovery; 
thus would the knowledge of the He- 
brew faith be spread abroad in Syria. 
Reasoning thus, Elisha answered: 

“The Lord will surely pardon this 
act which cometh not of the heart ; 
go in peace.” 

Naaman now departed with his 
last doubt dispelled, and all uncer- 
tainty as to his future actions set at 
rest. He drove along rapidly with a 
heart happy and light, eager to reach 
Susanah and tell her the wondrous, 
joyful news. 

The caravan had traveled but three 
miles when a man was seen running 
toward them from the direction of 
Elisha’s house jNaaman called a halt, 
fearing some evil had befallen the 
prophet. 

This man was Gehazi, a servant of 
Elisha, who had been seized with cov- 
etousness when he thought of all the 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


87 


wealth that his master had refused, 
and that Naaman was about to return 
with to his own country. Gehazi ar- 
gued with himself that he had a 
right to demand something of this 
heathen — this Gentile, who was the 
natural enemy of Israel. Therefore 
he pursued after the chariot, from 
which Naaman now descended in his 
desire to show respect to Elisha 
through his servant. Naaman asked, 
anxiously : 

“Is all well?” 

“All is well,” answered Gehazi. 
“My master hath sent me saying, ‘Be- 
hold, even now there be come to me 
from Mount Ephraim two young men 
of the sons of prophets ; give them, I 
pray thee, a talent of silver, and two 
changes of raiment.’” 

Gehazi’s request had the color of 
reasonableness considering how much 
Naaman had brought with him. 
Moreover he was ready for any 


88 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


possible questions with the answer 
that there were schools of prophets 
to be publicly maintained at Bethel 
and Gilgal on Mount Ephraim. But 
the unsuspicious Naaman had no 
thought of questioning Gehazi; he re- 
joiced that Elisha had apparently re- 
lented a little, being sorely pressed, 
perhaps, by the unexpected demand 
upon him by the two young students. 
He quickly bound with his own hands 
two talents of silver in two sacks; and 
two changes of garments in other 
sacks. Laying these upon two of his 
servants he commanded them to bear 
the same to Elisha, with his grateful 
acknowledgments for this privilege. 

Now there was a hill near Elisha’s 
house which concealed the road from 
the prophet’s view. Here Gehazi 
paused and politely relieved the two 
servants of their burden ; the whole 
being placed at Gehazi’s disposal the 
slaves were dismissed and Gehazi 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


89 


hastily concealed the treasure. This 
being done he returned quickly into 
Elisha’s house, for he was seldom long 
out of the prophet’s presence. 


CHAPTER XII. 


Gehazi went in and stood before 
his master, and Elisha said to him : 

“Whence comest thou, Gehazi?” 

“Thy servant went no whither,” 
answered Gehazi, with an air of af- 
fected surprise. 

Elisha looked at his servant with 
eyes blazing with indignation ; he 
said sternly : 

“Went I not with thee in spirit 
when Naaman turned again from his 
chariot to meet thee? Is this a time 
to receive money and garments when 
a Gentile was to be taught the beauty 
of the Hebrew faith? Thy thoughts 
had run ahead to the buying of vine- 
yards and oliveyards ; of sheep and 
oxen; of men servants and maid ser- 
vants. Thou seest that I know all thy 
covetous heart. Therefore, I say unto 

90 


NAAMAN THE LEPEK 


91 


thee, that the leprosy of Naaman shall 
cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed 
forever.” 

Gehazi turned sullenly from his 
master’s presence, scarce believing 
that the awful curse would bear fruit. 
At the outer door he met a man who 
started back from him in horror. 
Seeing this significant action Gehazi 
falteringly inquired : 

“What aileth thee?” 

“Behold, now, knowest thou not 
that thou art a leper, white as snow?” 

At this confirmation of his fears 
Gehazi raised his hands and looked, 
and, behold, they were indeed white 
as snow. With a groan of anguish 
he fell back against the wall. First 
he had tainted his soul with the 
leprosy of ill-gotten riches ; now his 
body must bear about always this evi- 
dence of the prophet’s curse. The 
stranger spoke again : 

“Howcamest thou in this strait? 


92 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


and how is it that thou knew it 
not?” 

Gehazi related the circumstances, 
and the stranger said : 

“Lo, Jehovah hath greatly shown 
his power this day ; but I would speak 
with thy master. Is he still within?” 

Gehazi answered in the affirmative 
and, pointing to Elisha’s door he said : 
“Do thou enter there?” and then, 
with head bowed low upon his breast, 
he walked away. 

The stranger opened the door of 
Elisha, and stood in the prophet’s 
presence, saying: 

“Art thou Elisha? art thou that 
prophet?” 

Elisha answered: “I am he. What 
is thy name, and the cause of thy 
visit?” 

“Thy servant’s name is Micaiah, 
and I have strange news for thee,” 
answered the stranger. 

“Art thou indeed Micaiah, that 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 93 

prophet of God whom Ahab did cast 
into prison? Behold, now, I have 
sought to visit thee, but was denied.” 

“Aye, I am that prophet. Thou 
wert denied because such were Ahab’s 
orders.” 

“How earnest thou, then, to be free? 
and who hath released thee?” 

“The Lord God of Israel hath sent 
an earthquake, and, behold, the prison 
doors flew open, and I stepped forth.” 

“I had heard naught of it,” said 
Elisha. “When happened this thing?” 

“This day, but a short time since. 
Many houses in Samaria are destroyed. 
Thy servant waited for none of these 
things, but inquired the way to thee.” 

“Micaiah,” said Elisha, solemnly. 
“The Lord hath this day delivered 
thee; and as the Lord liveth, before 
whom I stand, thou shalt henceforth 
abide with me.” 

“The prophecy of thy servant, Mi- 
caiah, hath become true, for one told 


94 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


me on the way hither that Zedekiah, 
the false prophet, did hide himself in 
his house, and was destroyed in it by 
the earthquake.” 

“The Lord is mighty and valiant, 
and He remembereth His servants. 
Let us worship Him, and praise His 
name together.” 

Thus was all of Micaiah’s prophecy 
fulfilled, and the faithful servant of 
God was restored to a life of peace 
and usefulness. 

Meanwhile, Naaman had once 
more resumed his interrupted journey, 
but, as his way lay outside the seis- 
matic wave which had caused the up- 
heaval at Damascus and Samaria in 
its devious course toward the south, 
he was not disturbed by it. Long 
before he reached Damascus, however, 
he saw indications of the late earth- 
quake, and he hastened on his journey 
with all possible speed, a little anx- 
ious now for the welfare of Susanah. 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


95 


One night after they had pitched 
their tents, and all hut the watch were 
peacefully sleeping, they were at- 
tacked by a band of Arabs. It was just 
at the edge of the desert which lies 
to the south of Damascus, and across 
a part of which Naaman must travel 
on his way to his home. The follow- 
ers of Naaman rallied quickly, for the 
travelers in the East at that time were 
always on their guard. The Sj^rians 
fought valiantly under their stalwart 
leader, and, although the Arabs out- 
numbered them, in an hour the battle 
w T as over ; the ground was strewn with 
dead Arabs and camels, and but few of 
the Syrians were killed, and fewer still 
wounded. When all was over Arpad 
entered Naaman’s tent escorting a fe- 
male captive; it was Sarah. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


Both Sarah and Naaman were un- 
demonstrative people, but neither 
could repress an exclamation of sur- 
prise at this unexpected and strange 
meeting. Sarah was the first to 
recover: 

“Thou art healed, my lord Naa- 
man!” exclaimed she, glancing at hi& 
hands; “thou art healed — thou didst 
find the prophet, and he hath healed 
thee, hath he not?” 

“Aye, Sarah,” answered Naaman, 
“the prophet Elisha hath healed me, 
and I will henceforth worship no 
other gods, but the God of Israel. 
Whence comest thou? and how didst 
thou fall among the Arabs?” 

“Thy servant was in thy palace 
and there came an earthquake which 
affrighted my lady Susanah. While 

96 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 97 

I sought for wine to give her thy ser- 
vant, Cheta, did seize me, and bound, 
my eyes, and he bore me away; and 
it was night. Now, behold the earth- 
quake did increase, and thy servant Sa- 
rah was thrown violently upon a stack 
of fodder; thus did the God of Israel 
deliver me out of the hand of Cheta. 
I found a man servant who sought to 
show me the way, but Fatoom met me 
and she said unto me : 

“ ‘Thy lady Susanah lieth ill of a 
fever.’ 

“Then I made haste, my foot stum- 
bled, and my ankle was sprained. 
Fatoom went unto thy palace to bring 
me help, and lo, she brought two 
strange men who lifted me into a lit- 
ter. I hoped soon to be with my lady 
Susanah, but a strange odor filled my 
nostrils, and thy servant sank into a 
sleep. 

“How long thy servant slept I 
know not. When I awoke, lo, my 


98 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 


head was heavy with pain, and my 
tongue was dry and parched. I cried 
out faintly but none heeded me. 
Then I reached for the curtains and 
drew them aside. It was deep night, 
and thy servant’s heart failed with 
fear, for I knew not where I was. I 
called aloud and thy servant, the 
dwarf 'Kaftu, came running; he said 
unto me : 

“ ‘Art thou awake? what wouldst 
thou?’ 

“ ‘Water first, if thou please,’ I an- 
answered. 

“Kaftu brought me some water and 
I inquired of him : ‘Why am I here? 
and whither do they take me?’ 

“Kaftu ran by the side of my litter 
and said : 

“ ‘Be thou still; I have somewhat 
to say to thee. Thou dost remem- 
ber that Fatoom left thee to seek help 
at the palace. Lo, before she came 
Cheta was carried in; the earthquake 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 


99 


had thrown him among some trees, 
and he was maimed. Fatoom loveth 
him. When she reached the palace, 
behold, now, she had heard about 
Cheta, and she hastened to him. Our 
lady Susanah is very ill, and my lord 
Beka was distraught; therefore, the 
slaves went whither they would. 
When Fatoom saw Cheta she said 
unto him : 

‘“‘‘Behold, now, Sarah hath 
sprained her ankle, and I am come for 
help.” 

“ ‘ “Where sawest thou Sarah !” de- 
manded Cheta. 

“ ‘Then Fatoom told him how she 
had met thee. 

“ ‘ “Go thou unto the Arabs, whose 
caravan leaveth Damascus this night, 
and send Bardesanes unto me. He 
oweth his life to me, and he will do 
me a favor,” said Cheta. 

“ ‘ “What wouldst thou with Barde- 
sanes?” asked Fatoom. 


100 NAAMAN THE LEPER 


“ ‘ “I would have this Sarah taken 
away, for now I hate her. Do thou 
as I bid thee, and thou shalt wed me, 
if thou wilt.” 

“ ‘Then Fatoom hastened for Barde- 
sanes, and I listened again at the 
door, for I knew they were plotting 
mischief against thee. Cheta per- 
suaded Bardesanes, and he promised 
to take thee if Cheta would give him 
a kikkar of gold for his men. Cheta 
gave him two kikkars of gold, and be- 
hold, thou knowest all now.’ 

“‘But Kaftu, why did I sleep so 
soundly?’ I asked. ‘My head 
bursteth with pain. And why didst 
thou come with the Arabs?’ 

“ ‘For this purpose came I, that I 
might protect and aid thee, if might 
be, because thou wert ever kind to 
me, and I love thee.’ 

“Thus answered thy servant, 
Kaftu ; and he bathed my head with 
water, and bade me hope for he would 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 101 

help me to escape. Will my lord now 
inquire for the lad? for I would know 
now he fareth.” 

Naaman was greatly surprised at 
Sarah’s story, and his anger was en- 
kindled against Fatoom and Cheta. 
He called his ser-vant, Arpad, and 
told him to see the dwarf, and bring 
him news of the boy. Then he said 
to Sarah : 

“These vile slaves, of whom thou 
hast told me, shall be crushed under 
my chariot wheels when I return.” 

“Nay, let not my lord say so,” said 
Sarah, gently. “Do thou send them, 
rather, into another country.” 

“Thy heart is noble, Sarah, and it 
shall be as thou sayest. Thou shalt 
return unto Damascus with me, and 
there will I provide thee escort to re- 
turn to thine own country ; for thou 
shalt be free.” 

Arpad entered at this moment with 
the dwarf Kaftu, and Naaman spoke 
to the lad, saying : 


102 NAAMAN THE LEPER 

“Sarah hath told me of what thou 
hast done. Thou art a brave lad, and 
true. When we are returned to 
Damascus thou shalt be well re- 
warded.” 

Then they all departed for their 
tents for the remainder of the night; 
but the first paling star of morning 
saw the caravan again on its way r 
for Naaman was consumed with 
anxiety regarding Susanah. 


CHAPTER XIV. 


Beka had been, indeed, almost dis- 
tracted. It was true that the earth- 
quake had done but slight damage to 
the palace of Naaman, and no one 
within its walls had been seriously 
injured; but Susanah’s fright, added 
to her anxiety regarding her husband, 
had thrown her into a brain fever. 

Beka was little more than a lad, 
and had been reared in an atmos- 
phere of enervating idleness. The dis- 
appearance of Sarah ; the alarm 
caused by the earthquake, which the 
superstitious Syrian always believes 
will cause the sea to overflow the 
land and drown him ; and Susanah’s 
sudden illness all combined to con- 
fuse and distract him. The latter 
circumstance, however, finally roused 
him, and, throwing off the lethargy 


103 


104 NAAMAN THE LEPER 


which had possessed him, he set his 
mind to bringing order out of the 
wild confusion in the palace. He as- 
sumed control of the household, and 
the slaves soon discovered that their 
lord Beka could be firm, as well *as 
kind. He called in the physicians for 
Susanah, who lay in delirium, calling 
constantly for Naaman and Sarah. 
He sent agents and officers in every 
direction to search for Sarah and, as 
day after day passed by and he could 
learn nothing regarding her, he be- 
came less and less hopeful. Her 
strange disappearance was still wrap- 
ped in mystery, and his honest nature 
was too simple to suspect Cheta of 
treachery. 

These troublous events, succeeding 
each other with so overwhelming 
swiftness, developed all the latent 
manliness within him, and Beka was 
no longer the irresponsible and 
vacillating youth ; he was become a 
man, brave, reliable and faithful. 


N A AM AN THE LEPER 105 


One day he sat beside Susanah’s 
couch and watched her lily-pale face. 
She had lain quiet and passive for 
several hours, and the physicians had 
told Beka that if she awoke and knew 
him, he might hope for her recovery. 
Beka waited patiently and thought 
of many things. He wondered if 
Sarah had left the palace that 
night on some errand, and been 
swallowed up by the earthquake. 
Many of the bazaars in the street 
called Straight had been demolished; 
perhaps Sarah had gone there for 
some forgotten article necessary to 
her mistress’ toilet, and she might 
have been killed there. Was she now 
in that paradise of which she had 
told him? and if she were there could 
he hope ever to join her? He firmly 
determined that come what might he 
would worship Sarah’s God; “For,” 
thought he, “she was good and true, 
and if her faith made her so then 
shall Sarah’s faith be mine.” 


106 NAAMAN THE LEPER 


Then his thoughts turned again to* 
Susanah, who lay so calm and still, 
almost as if she were dea,d ; she was 
only sleeping, but would she awake 
in this world, or would her eyes open 
in another where, perhaps, Sarah 
would meet her. 

The palace was very still. It was 
the noon hour and the slaves were all 
in a distant part of the palace, except 
one who watched in the court near by 
to be in call if needed. 

“Why tarry the chariot wheels of 
my brother Naaman? O Susanah! 
wilt thou never awake?” 

As if in answer to this inward cry 
of Beka Susanah opened her dark 
eyes and looked at him ; he instantly 
laid a gently restraining hand upon 
her. 

“Thou hast been ill, Susanah, and 
must not weary thyself with ques- 
tions now. Allis well.” 

This tender little subterfuge satis- 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 107 


fied Susanah for a few moments and 
she lay still with closed eyes. Pres- 
ently the faintest tinge of rose crept 
into her cheeks and she whispered: 

“Beka, hearest thou his chariot 
wheels?” 

“Nay, Susanah, question me not 
now\ All is well, and the leech hath 
said thou must not talk.” 

“But I hear the wheels,” insisted 
Susanah. “Go thou, my Beka, and 
see if Naaman is come.” 

Wishing to humor her Beka called 
the slave to watch Susanah while he 
hastened to the gate of the court- 
yard. Susanah was right, the cara- 
van was in sight. Beka hastened 
back with the news. 

“Aye, Susanah, ’tis the chariot 
wheels of Naaman, though I know 
not how thou couldst hear them.” 

“Love hath sharp ears,” said Su- 
sanah, smiling. “Go dear Beka, 
greet Naaman, and bring him hither 
quickly.” 


108 NAAMAN THE LEPER 


But Naaman needed no urging, for 
he had already leaped from his char- 
iot and came running. Beka met 
him and raised his hand, warningly. 
Naaman stopped his eager feet and 
said, in a low, anxious voice : 

“How fareth my wife, Susanah? 
tell me, I pray thee, quickly.” 

“She hath been very sick, and the 
leech hath said she must be quiet; 
but she hath heard thy chariot 
wheels.” 

Naaman walked softly, but swiftly, 
in to Susanah. His eyes were filled 
with a glad new light ; his arms w^ere 
extended ; the glow of restored health 
was in his happy face. Susanah 
looked and knew that Sarah’s God 
had not failed her. Naaman clasped 
her in his arms and, for the first time 
in a year, kissed her on the lips. 

“Dear Naaman,” whispered Su- 
sanah, “we will love the God of Sarah, 
and trust Him evermore.” 


CHAPTER XV. 


Beka went out to meet the caravan 
thatNaaman and Susanah might he 
alone with their new found joy. He 
had seen at once that Naaman was 
healed, and rejoiced for his brother 
and Susanah. If Sarah could only 
know that Naaman was healed by the 
prophet of her God, how happy it 
would make her, he thought. As he 
walked along, his languid eyes were 
attracted by the sight of a lady de- 
scending from her litter, assisted by 
the dwarf, Kaftu. Beka secretly won- 
dered who she could be, but as Sarah 
was veiled, and still limped a little in 
her walk, Beka did not recognize her. 
When the lady had almost reached 
him she threw aside her veil and said, 
anxiously: 


109 


110 NAAMAN THE LEPER 


“My mistress, Susanah,how fareth 
she?” 

Beka was dumb with amazement 
for a moment ; then he eagerly seized 
her hands, and heeding not her ques- 
tion said rapturously : 

“Is it thou? is it thou, indeed, Sa- 
rah? where hast thou been? we have 
searched everywhere for thee.” 

“Aye, it is thy servant, Sarah, and 

5 J 

“Say not so,” interrupted Beka, in 
a firm voice. “Thou shalt nevermore 
be called servant. But come with me 
apart, for I have somewhat to say to 
thee.” 

Could this be Beka? Sarah scarcely 
recognized in this self-possessed, mas- 
terful man the lad of a few weeks be- 
fore. She hesitated, then said : 

“Thou hast not yet told me how 
my lady Susanah fareth.” 

“Come with me, dear Sarah, and I 
will tell thee all,” said Beka; and 


NAAMAN THE LEPER 111 


gently leading her, Beka took her to 
a retired spot in the court. 

An hour later Beka led Sarah into 
Susanah’s presence, where Naaman 
still was. Naaman smiled. 

“Hast thou forestalled us, Beka? 
We were but now talking of Sarah.” 

“I am come,” said Beka, “to ask 
for Sarah’s freedom, for I desire her 
for my wife.” 

“But doth she desire thee for her 
husband?” asked Naaman, with a 
merry twinkle in his eyes. “Me- 
thinks another hath spoken for her.” 

Beka’s eyes flashed at this allusion 
to Cheta, but Sarah spoke: 

“Nay, heed him not, Beka” — and 
Sarah pronounced the man’s name 
shyly — “my lord Naaman hath al- 
ready promised me my freedom, and 
an escort to my father.” 

“Then that escort shall be thy 
Beka,” said the young man, proudly. 
^‘Perchance thy father will not re- 


112 NAAMAN THE LEPER 

fuse thee to me when heknoweth that 
thy God is become my God, dear 
Sarah.” 

“Aye,” said Naaman reverently; 
“there is no other god but the God of 
Israel, and henceforth Him only shall 
we serve.” 


APPENDIX. 


Lange pronounces the story of 
Naaman, as found in the 5th chapter 
of second Kings, “The scheme of sal- 
vation epitomized.” 

In writing the story I have endeav- 
ored as far as possible to use the ex- 
act language of the Bible. I have con- 
sulted such books as Lang«’s, Keil's 
and Cook’s Commentaries; Smith’s 
“Bible Dictionary ; ” Ridpath’s “An- 
cient History .;” “The Land of Gil- 
ead,” by Oliphant; “Patriarchal 
Palestine,” by Sayce; “The Pillar of 
Fire,” by Ingraham; and several 
books of travel too numerous to men- 
tion here. 

The reader will find by consulting 
the Oxford Bible that the carbuncle 
is given as a green stone, similar to 
our emerald. Also, that most of the 


113 


114 


APPENDIX 


names used in the story have been 
chosen for their significance. I am 
aware that roses, as we know them, 
were not supposed to grow in Syria ; 
but accurate information regarding 
this country, its fauna and flora, and 
its ancient domestic life and customs, 
is difficult to obtain. 

The book is offered to the public in 
the hope that the wonderful and fas- 
cinating story of Naaman’s healing 
may find new interest and new signi- 
ficance. With this hope I venture to 
send it forth. 


The Author. 





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